Free Hidden Memories by Robin Allen

graduate from law school too. Only twenty-three! Graduated from Harvard Law School. That’s the best school in the country. He tell you that?”
    “Yes ma’am,” Sage said. “I saw his degree at his office.”
    “I was so proud to frame his degrees. Did he tell you he was third…”
    Ramion cleared his throat. “Mama, please. Enough.”
    “Well, I know you’re not going to brag about your accomplishments, so I thought I’d fill her in.”
    “Actually, Ramion has told me a lot about himself and his family,” Sage said.
    “Well, I suppose I do go on,” Linnell said. “I just can’t help myself. I’m so proud of him. He worked so hard to put himself through school.”
    “Mama, I’m sure Sage knows all that stuff,” Olivia said. “Besides, you take one look at my brother, and you know he’s got it going on. And you know he knows it.”
    “All right, Olivia, you don’t have to get in on it,” Ramion said.
    “Okay, I’ll hush up,” Linnell said, before sipping from her glass of iced tea.
    When conversation turned to the youngest son, Mackie, Sage felt tension creep into the room. Raymond kept his eyes glued to his plate, as Linnell chattered on and on about Mackie’s talents as a basketball player.
    “Mackie just couldn’t face the fact that his playing days were over when he hurt his leg,” Olivia said, not putting much sympathy in her tone.
    “You got to know when to give up,” Raymond said. “There was no way he was going to make it to the NBA.”
    “You never give up on your child,” Linnell said, chastising her husband with her eyes. Raymond looked away.
    It was obvious that their young son was a source of great pain and disappointment. Sage wanted to say something soothing and comforting, but knew it wasn’t her place to speak on family matters.
    Looking over at Ramion, Olivia asked, “When was the last time you saw him?”
    “Last Saturday. I took him some money and some new books,” Ramion replied. “I hate it, though. It’s not fair he got so much time.”
    Raymond said, “Son, it’s not your fault.”
    “I can’t bear to see him there. Locked up. Not my baby brother,” Olivia said.
    Silence fell thick and heavy on the room until Courtney suddenly asked, “What does Barney eat for Thanksgiving?”
    Laugher erupted. Courtney’s innocent question had the refreshing effect of a window thrown open.
    “He eats rocks and grass,” Richie explained authoritatively. “That’s what dinosaurs eat. That’s just the way it is.”
    Laughter filled the room again, and Sage looked around with an approving smile. Richie didn’t know it, but he’d not only explained dinosaurs, he’d explained his family. They had known adversity and tragedy, but they would survive because that was part of living and loving. That’s just the way it was.
    * * * * *
    After dessert and more family conversation, Ramion and Sage bid his family good night. Backing out of the driveway, Ramion pressed the button on the car’s CD player, and the plaintive sounds of Babyface filled the air.
    Sage leaned back against the plush leather seat and looked over at him. “I really like your family. I felt so at home with them.”
    “I knew you would fit right in.”
    “Can I call you Ramey too?” Sage said with a soft giggle.
    “If you want to,” he said with a light smile.
    “It didn’t sound like anyone cared for Edwinna but you.”
    “Past tense. I’m glad to be free of her and her father. Don’t get me wrong. I like Edwin. He’s done a lot for me. I learned a lot working for him. But he can be controlling.”
    Changing the subject, Sage asked, “What did your father mean when he said it’s not your fault about your brother?”
    Ramion’s hands tightened visibly on the steering wheel. “I’ll tell you about it one day.”
    “Okay,” Sage said. “I’m really tired, honey. I don’t feel like going to a jazz club.”
    “I know,” Ramion said, turning out of the subdivision. “Drop you at your